'Hurry up and vote': Gachagua's election day call to Ol Kalou

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged residents of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers and vote in the parliamentary by-election, saying the poll presents an opportunity for the community to affirm its dignity and pride.

In a message issued on election morning, Gachagua appealed to voters who had not yet cast their ballots to head to polling stations, while encouraging those who had already voted to remain calm as they awaited the outcome.

"My good people of Olkalou, the land of the late JM Kariuki, that gallant fighter who fought for the downtrodden," Gachagua said as he invoked the area's historical significance and the legacy of the Mau Mau struggle.

He urged residents to "continue flowing to the polling stations as you have done early this morning and affirm our dignity and pride."

Gachagua told voters that, "We are priceless and will never sell our birthright to anyone, no matter the price," adding that he was proud of residents for what he described as their resilience.

He also acknowledged young people who had accompanied older voters to polling stations.

"To our young men, thank you for waking up early to protect and escort your parents and your parents' age mates to go and vote. That is your cardinal duty in our society, and I am very proud of you," he said.

Addressing women, Gachagua added: "To our mothers, I have no words to express my joy that you have guided us well so that we shall never betray our people."

He urged those who had not yet voted to do so before midday, referring to guidance he had earlier issued during an interview on Inooro TV.

"For those still at home, please hurry up and cast your vote, the very vote that we are waiting for to restore our dignity as a people," he said.

Gachagua also expressed optimism about the outcome of the by-election, saying he believed the community's "dignity" would be restored before the end of the day.

The by-election is being held to fill the vacant Member of the National Assembly seat following the death of the area MP, David Njuguna Kiaraho of the Jubilee Party, on March 29, 2026.

The contest has attracted national attention and is widely viewed as a key test of political influence in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.